Wrestling Celebrates 2016-17 Season at Team Banquet

Maryland Athletics

4-3-2017

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Maryland wrestling team celebrated the 2016-17 season on Sunday at the program’s annual awards banquet. Friends, family and team supporters joined the Maryland staff and student-athletes as the team presented awards and enjoyed dinner together.

For photos from the event, check out the Maryland wrestling instagram page @TerpsWrestling.

2016-17 Award Honorees

John C. McHugh Outstanding Wrestler of the Year Award

Youssif Hemida – Hemida advanced the furthest of any Maryland wrestler this year at the NCAA Tournament, defeating three opponents at NCAAs to advance to Friday’s Blood Round session. The team captain placed seventh in the Big Ten in the heavyweight class, while going 23-13 overall on the year. Hemida went 15-6 from January-March and was named to the Big Ten All-Academic team.

Kevin R. Kearns Award -The University of Maryland Senior wrestler who has contributed the most to wrestling at the University

Billy Rappo – Rappo capped off a successful five-year Maryland career qualifying for the NCAA Championships at 133 pounds with an AQ bid from the Big Ten Championships. The team captain won 16 matches on the year, including a 12-9 mark at 133 pounds after dropping down from 141 to help his team. Rappo battled injuries throughout the season, but remained a staple in the lineup for the Terps. He earned the B1G’s final AQ bid at 133 in thrilling fashion, knocking off Eli Stickley (Wisconsin) in sudden victory. Rappo became first wrestler to pin a Nittany Lion at Rec Hall since December 14, 2014 in the team’s dual vs. Penn State and was a Big Ten All-Academic selection.

Tom Norris Unsung Hero Award -The wrestler who always puts the team first over himself

Billy Rappo – Rappo capped off a successful five-year Maryland career qualifying for the NCAA Championships at 133 pounds with an AQ bid from the Big Ten Championships. The team captain won 16 matches on the year, including a 12-9 mark at 133 pounds after dropping down from 141 to help his team. Rappo battled injuries throughout the season, but remained a staple in the lineup for the Terps. He earned the B1G’s final AQ bid at 133 in thrilling fashion, knocking off Eli Stickley (Wisconsin) in sudden victory. Rappo became first wrestler to pin a Nittany Lion at Rec Hall since December 14, 2014 in the team’s dual vs. Penn State and was a Big Ten All-Academic selection.

Curt Callahan Mental Toughness Award - The wrestler who was always ready to do battle in the practice room, tournaments, and dual meets

Billy Rappo – Rappo capped off a successful five-year Maryland career qualifying for the NCAA Championships at 133 pounds with an AQ bid from the Big Ten Championships. The team captain won 16 matches on the year, including a 12-9 mark at 133 pounds after dropping down from 141 to help his team. Rappo battled injuries throughout the season, but remained a staple in the lineup for the Terps. He earned the B1G’s final AQ bid at 133 in thrilling fashion, knocking off Eli Stickley (Wisconsin) in sudden victory. Rappo became first wrestler to pin a Nittany Lion at Rec Hall since December 14, 2014 in the team’s dual vs. Penn State and was a Big Ten All-Academic selection.

Most Improved Award

Youssif Hemida – Hemida advanced the furthest of any Maryland wrestler this year at the NCAA Tournament, defeating three opponents at NCAAs to advance to Friday’s Blood Round session. The team captain placed seventh in the Big Ten in the heavyweight class, while going 23-13 overall on the year. Hemida went 15-6 from January-March and was named to the Big Ten All-Academic team.

Redshirt of the Year Award

Brandon Cray – Cray had a standout redshirt season, finishing 26-7 in open tournament competition at 125 pounds. His 26 wins led the team while he won 11 matches by way of bonus points. He was the National Collegiate Open Champion and Franklin & Marshall Open Champion and placed in six tournaments. He finished season on 10-match win streak.

Freshman of the Year Award

Brandon Cray – Cray had a standout redshirt season, finishing 26-7 in open tournament competition at 125 pounds. His 26 wins led the team while he won 11 matches by way of bonus points. He was the National Collegiate Open Champion and Franklin & Marshall Open Champion and placed in six tournaments. He finished season on 10-match win streak.

11th Man Award - The wrestler who did not compete in the conference tournament but made significant contributions to the team

Adam Whitesell – Whitesell led the team in pins for the second consecutive season, finishing with a team-best 11 falls. His 23 wins tied for third most on the team, and saw his first career action in duals at 149 pounds. Whitesell turned one of the most memorable moments for the Terrapins this season pinning Blake Riley-Hawkins (Ohio State) in front of his alma mater in the team’s dual at Good Counsel High School.